Tendulkar's best kept secret is out

September 05, 2003 19:27 IST

One of Sachin Tendulkar's best kept secrets is out. And it was revealed by the master blaster himself.

Addressing a press conference, relating to the September 12 auction of cricket memorabilia in Bangalore, Tendulkar used the opportunity to tell the world that Indian cricketers also do their bit for charity.

When a reporter asked a panel of cricketers, comprising Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh and Tendulkar, if they have plans of making personal contributions in addition to the items on auction, Tendulkar grabbed the microphone and revealed he's been involved in a charity in Mumbai for more than seven years but did not want to publicise it.

"I will take the opportunity [to answer the question]," he said, informing that he has been sponsoring 200 students for their schooling, tuition and travelling.

"I have been doing it for many years but had kept it under wraps. I did not let the press know about it.

"I am sure other Indian cricketers also make personal contributions," he said.

Saying the children he is helping in Mumbai "can't afford", he added he is associated with "Apnalaya", an NGO in Mumbai for the past seven-eight years.

Tendulkar said he does charity for personal satisfaction, and hastened to add there is a general perception that Indian cricketers do not contribute towards charity, which it not so.

To a question, Ganguly said he raised Rs 50 lakh to renovate the children's ward at the Dr. B C Roy Hospital in Kolkata and the work would be completed next month.